Hydrogeochemical assessment on groundwater from aquifers explored in the Baixo Pardo-Grande Watershed (UGRHI 12)

• Grant number: 21/10210-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): February 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): November 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geology
• Principal Investigator: Didier Gastmans
• Grantee: Ariane Penteado Constantino
• Host Institution: Centro de Estudos Ambientais (CEA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Baixo Pardo-Grande watershed (UGHRI 12) is undergoing economic development based on growing agro-industrial, which led to problems related to surface water availability and quality, and groundwater offers a good option for multiple uses, such as for irrigation of crops present in the region. This increase in groundwater exploitation is directly related to the hydrogeological framework of the watershed, where three important units are recognized: Bauru, Serra Geral, and Guarani, the latter being the one with the greatest attention. The main objective of this project is the hydrochemical study of groundwater at UGHRI 12, seeking to map the spatial distribution of the hydrochemical facies in the region, as well as to establish the hydraulic connection between the three hydrostratigraphic units. This research project involves sampling and chemical and isotopic analysis of groundwater and, for the evaluation of hydrochemical data, statistical methods (univariate and multivariate) and graphics will be used, as well as the preparation of isovalue maps and hydrogeochemical modeling, with the use of appropriate software. Finally, this work may provide important conclusions for managers and decision-makers about the use and quality of groundwater in the region, enabling the adoption of rational measures for the use of this resource. (AU)